Notch 6 podcast

Derek Join's The Matt and Matt O Scale Trains Podcast

Derek joins Matt and Matt of the The Matt and Matt O Scale Trains Podcast to talk about what he's been up to in 2021 and discuss everything going on currently in the world of O gauge trains. You can find the Matt and Matt podcast HERE.   

It's The End of the World as We Know It.

  No MTH, no York, what's a hobby to do? An update from Derek and his thoughts on the current state of the O gauge industry.

Lionel 2020 Vol. 1 Catalog Pt. B- Traditional Product

Lionel 2020 Vol. 1 Catalog Pt. A- Scale Product

The MTH 2020 Volume 1 Catalog Show

Jeffery Horan - #1 Guide at the Lionel Visitors Center

Our 2019 Interview With Lionel President Howard Hitchcock

The Lionel 2019 Volume II Catalog Show

The MTH 2019 Volume 2 Catalog Show

Join MTH Vice President of Marketing Andy Edelman and host Derek Thomas as they deep dive into the 2019 MTH Volume 2 Catalog. We'll discuss the recently announced Union Pacific George H. Bush funeral train, unique holiday offerings, and all the brand new road names and returns of classic favorites that grace the pages of this catalog.

Jack "Hotwater" Wheelihan Part 2

In this episode of Notch 6, Jack "Hotwater" Wheelihan returns with some incredible tales from his days firing Southern Pacific 4449, Union Pacific 844, and Union Pacific 3985. We'll cover everything from what happens when your pilot engineer "forgets" to alert you to an upcoming crossover, to how hot does it really get in a tunnel when you're in the cab of one of the largest operating steam locomotive in North America. You don't want to miss this episode!

Notch 6 Episode 128A: Lionel 2019 Volume 1 catalog - Scale products plus LionChief+ 2.0 technology

In part one of our Lionel 2019 Volume 1 catalog show, Ryan Kunkle joins us to break down the new scale offerings in the catalog. This will include everything you see in the new catalog at Lionel.com as well as some EXCLUSIVE details about a forthcoming George Bush 4141 set which will be formally announced in later 2019. We'll also have a deep look at the new LionChief+ 2.0 technology which aims to further enhance the command control O gauge market. It's a full episode with details you won...

Notch 6 Episode 128-B: Lionel 2019 Volume 1 - Traditional, Licensed, and Holiday products

In this segment of the Lionel 2019 Volume 1 Catalog show, we talk with Meegan Untereker about Lionel's lineup of Traditional, Licensed, and Holiday products. This segment includes the scale Christmas offerings such as Polar Express and more. We'll also discuss many of the traditional sets and fun items that make Lionel such a unique brand.

Notch 6 Episode 127- The 2018 Christmas Spectacular.

Notch 6 Episode 126- Jack Wheelihan on 3 Rail Scale, SP 4449, and the Union Pacific steam program

On this episode of Notch 6, Jack "Hot Water" Wheelihan joins me to discuss his career with EMD, his time spent firing Southern Pacific 4449, Union Pacific 844 and 3985. If that wasn't enough, we'll discuss his 3 rail scale layout and why he decided to dismantle and sell the majority of his collection. It's a fascinating story of one mans passion for railroading and the wonderful journey it has taken him on. If you're interested in purchasing Madison Hardware apparel we're taking orders thr...

Notch 6 Episode 125 - MTH 2019 Volume 1 catalog show

The MTH 2019 catalog show is here! Join Derek Thomas and MTH's Andy Edelman as we break down everything in the new catalog from Union Pacific 150th anniversary to this catalogs celebration of moving goods across your model railroad.

Notch 6 Episode 124- Evan Cihlar - President and CEO of Railroading in America Magazine

In this episode of Notch 6, Evan Cihlar from Railroading in America Magazine joins me to discuss how he and the entire RIA staff have developed an exciting online magazine in just over a year. Not only does the magazine offer a diverse range of content including O gauge trains, but their staff is one of the youngest in the industry. We'll hear all about how the magazine was started and their future, plus about Evan and his Father's Nickel Plate inspired railroad which creates realistic railr...

Notch 6 Episode 123B – Lionel 2018 Volume II Catalog Show – Traditional Product

Part two of the Lionel 2018 Volume II catalog show with Lionel’s Meegan Unterecker. This is your inside look at all the new traditional product coming in 2019 and some even delivering before 2018 is over!

Notch 6 Episode 123A - Lionel 2018 Volume II Catalog Show - Scale Product

Notch 6 Episode 122- LCCA Chicago Night 6- 2018 State of the LCCA

Today on Notch 6 we wrap up our coverage of the LCCA National Convention in Chicago. We'll hear from the leadership of the LCCA on the positive things happening inside of the club including some exclusive Lionel products including a Vision line engine ( Not the Niagara...) We'll also talk about how the club is evolving and reacting to an ever changing market.

Notch 6 Episode 121 - LCCA Chicago Night 5 - Ryan Kunkle, New brass hybrid, production updates, and more

It's time for the big announcements from Lionel at The Lionel Collectors Club of America national convention. Ryan Kunkle, Director of Production for Lionel, returns to the show to talk about a brand new brass hybrid locomotive, plus we'll talk production updates, and much more. Our thanks as always to The Lionel Collectors Club of America and Lionel for sharing the inside scoop about these new and exciting products.

Notch 6 Episode 120 - LCCA Chicago Night 4 - Howard Hitchcock President of Lionel Trains

In this episode of Notch 6, Howard Hitchcock, President of Lionel LLC stops by for our annual interview. There are plenty of interesting topics covered including, Lionel's new venture into retail, the state of overseas manufacturing affecting Lionel, the future of electronics in O gauge trains, and more. It's an insightful interview of where Lionel has been in the past year and where it is going in the next. As always Al Kolis is with me to recap the days events at The Lionel Collectors Club ...

Notch 6 Episode 119- LCCA Chicago Night 3- Bob Thomas, the man behind the artist.

Tonight, Bob Thomas ( Husband of artist Angela Trotta Thomas) talks about what it's like to be married to a well known figure in our hobby. Plus he shares his story of building a hobby shop inspired layout, his Postwar train memories, and some of his unique experiences about collecting and visiting Lionel Trains over the years.

Notch 6 Episode 118 - LCCA Chicago Night 2 - The Train Lady

Download this Episode by Clicking Here Tonight in Chicago I talk with Elaine Silets, The Train Lady. For over 25 years she has designed and built many high end custom layouts around the Midwest. Some featured in famous buildings and large consumer catalogs. Her most impressive work may be the massive O gauge layout she built for her Husband before his death. You'll hear her complete story with plenty of insight about her years in the industry. Al Kolis on board with us as always to discuss th...

Notch 6 Episode 117- LCCA Chicago Night 1 - Kevin Davis on the ever expanding world of Fastrack Modular Layouts

Welcome to LCCA week in Chicago. Kevin Davis joins me to discuss the ins and outs of building a Lionel Fastrack modular layout specifically with Chicago in mind. We'll also recap activities from the first part of 2018 and their positive impact on the hobby. Plus, I'm joined by Al Kolis for his insight on everything happening at the Lionel Collectors Club of America National Convention.

Notch 6 Episode 116: Projects and Postwar

In this episode of Notch 6 we revisit an early interview with John Schmid, President of Project Roar Publishing. We'll also update a number of projects we're working on along with our sponsors.

Notch 6 Episode 115-B: The MTH 2018 Volume 2 Catalog Show: Premier Edition

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this part of Episode 115, Andy Edelman from MTH stops by to cover all things in the MTH Premier line in the 2018 Volume 2 catalog. See Episode 115-A for the Railking section of this catalog.

Notch 6 Episode 115-A: The MTH 2018 Volume 2 Catalog Show: Railking Edition

In this part of Episode 115, Andy Edelman from MTH stops by to cover all things Railking, Railking Scale, and Railking Imperial, in the 2018 Volume 2 catalog. See Episode 115-B for the Premier section of this catalog.

Notch 6 Episode 114: Gargraves Trackage Corporation - Making tracks for over 75 years!

Notch 6 Episode 114 - Michael and Tom Roder join me to discuss all things related to Gargraves track. A staple in the O gauge hobby for over 75 years, Gargraves track is found on some of the best hi-rail layout in the country. You'll hear about the humble beginnings of the company all the way through present day. Michael and Tom will also share some valuable tips for using their product.

Notch 6 Episode 113: Behind the scenes at Mr. Muffins Trains with Steve Nelson

In this episode Steve Nelson, Owner of Mr. Muffins Trains, stops by to visit. We'll hear about his early experiences that led to opening a hobby store in a time where colleagues told him what a poor idea it was. We'll also explore collecting Atlas O wooden reefers, what customer service means in the hobby industry today, and he'll share some tips he's learned while building three large O gauge layouts.

Notch 6 Episode 112-A: The Lionel 2018 Catalog Show! O Scale with Ryan Kunkle

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In part one of the Lionel 2018 Catalog shows we chat with Lionel's Ryan Kunkle about all of the new and upcoming releases in the world of O scale products. This includes scale steam, diesel, freight, and passenger cars. Be sure to check out episode 112-B for the traditional side of this packed Lionel catalog!

Notch 6 Episode 112-B: The 2018 Lionel Catalog Show! Traditional O gauge with Meegan Untereker

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In our second part of the Lionel 2018 Volume 1 catalog show we take a look at all of the new and fun items in the world of traditional O gauge. From the upcoming Hot Wheels set to the brand new Scooby Doo set, we have it all. Plus your holiday favorites including Polar Express, Halloween, and Angela Trotta Thomas Christmas!

Notch 6 Episode 111: 2017 Christmas Spectacular with Steve Lukefahr and Mike Reagan

In this episode of Notch 6 we visit with Steve Lukefahr, former owner of Trains LTD in St. Louis. Now retired, we discuss his time owning the store and his spectacular T W Trainworx built layout featuring scenes from The Polar Express and more. Plus, Mike Reagan stops by for his annual reading of The Night Before Christmas and to fill us in on what he's been up to.

Notch 6 Episode 110: Kids Run Trains!

For years the hobby has talked about how to get the next generation involved in model railroading. What happens when the talking stops and the action actually starts? You'll hear from three gentlemen who are making that actively happen through Kids Run Trains, The Mohegan-Pequot Model Railroad Club, and The Lionel Collectors Club of America. 

The Lionel 2018 Vision Line Announcement with Exclusive details!

Download this Episode by Clicking Here A great interview with Lionel's Ryan Kunkle detailing the announcement of Lionel's 2018 Vision Line locomotive announcement. Exclusive details inside!

Notch 6 Episode 109 - MTH 2018 Volume 1 Catalog Show

Download this Episode by Clicking Here An inside look at the new MTH Electric Trains 2018 Volume 1 catalog with MTH Electric Trains Vice President of Marketing Andy Edelman.

Notch 6 Episode 107 - The Lionel Employee in the Neighborhood

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, we find out what happens when you find another O gauge collector in your neighborhood. It's a story of Lionel history and amazing craftsmanship as well as a lifelong passion for Lionel trains.

Notch 6 Episode 106- The Lionel 2017 Volume 2 Catalog Show

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, we deep dive into the Lionel 2017 Volume II catalog. Ryan Kunkle joins us to give us a guided tour of this new catalog and all the details you've come to expect from a Lionel catalog show. Also, Al Kolis from the LCCA joins us to take a look at some of the special events coming in the fourth quarter of this year including the Lionel Warehouse sale in November.

Notch 6 - The last train to Tacoma...or is it? LCCA / Lionel catalog update.

A short and sweet update for you about the new catalog!

Notch 6 Episode 105- Tacoma Rail Adventure - LCCA National Convention

In this episode of Notch 6, we go on an adventure to Tacoma Rail and get a first hand look and this unique terminal railroad. You'll also hear from Al Kolis and our special guest is LCCA Engineer for the Day Tommy and his Father Joel.

Notch 6 Episode 104- The State of the LCCA, Tacoma National Convention Day 4

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, we talk with LCCA President Al Kolis,  incoming president Ken Kelley, and immediate past President Dennis Devito. We discuss some of the challenges facing the LCCA as well as some of the high points of the past year.

Notch 6 Episode 103- Annual Interview with Lionel President Howard Hitchcock - LCCA Tacoma Day 3

Download this Episode by Clicking Here In this episode of Notch 6, Lionel President Howard Hitchcock joins us to discuss where Lionel has been in the last twelve months and where they hope to go in the next twelve. It's an insightful interview with a broad look at Lionel as a company. Also, Al Kolis joins us to recap day 3 at the LCCA national convention.

Notch 6 Episode 102- Lionel's Ryan Kunkle with production updates and more. LCCA Tacoma Day 2

LCCA National Convention Day 2 - Ryan Kunkle from Lionel joins us to give a production update, plus we talk paint colors, getting the details right and more.

Notch 6 Episode 101: Lionel's Meegan Untereker - LCCA Tacoma Day 1

In this episode of Notch 6, Lionel's Meegan Untereker stops by to introduce a pair of brand new Lionel train sets out of the 2017 Volume II catalog. We'll also look back on her year as a Lionel project manager. You'll get the inside scoop on what it takes to make the Lionel products come to life and some valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Plus, it's our first night of coverage from the LCCA convention in Tacoma Washington. LCCA President Al Kolis joins us to recap what has happen...

Notch 6 Episode 100 - David Minarik Owner of Mercer Junction, Drummer for The Clarks

Notch 6 turns the big 100 with this episode! David Minarik,  drummer for The Clarks and owner of Mercer Junction,  joins us to share his story of how he was introduced to model trains, running a hobby store in the 21st century, and what drives him to create realistic operations on his layout. In addition, Al Kolis joins us to give a preview of the upcoming LCCA convention in Tacoma Washington.  

Notch 6 Episode 99- Inside Lionel's USA Lionscale Production and an update from TW Trainworx

In this final double digit episode of Notch 6, we take an inside look at Lionel's Lionscale production in Concord, North Carolina. You'll hear from the small team of folks that work to put these cars together. We'll also catch up with Roger Farkash and Mike Reagan from TW Trainworx and find out about their exciting new kits and more.

Notch 6 Episode 98 - Norfolk and Western 611 Revisited

In this episode of Notch 6, we go behind the scenes of Norfolk and Western J class No. 611. We spend time with the night crew of the locomotive, visit with the volunteers and engine crew. Take an inside look at what it takes to run a main line steam locomotive in the 21st Century. For more information or to support N&W 611, please visit www.fireup611.org

Notch 6 Episode 97- The MTH 2017 Volume II Catalog Show

The MTH 2017 Volume II and Ready to Run catalogs are here. Join Derek Thomas and MTH's Andy Edelman as they break down everything new and exciting in this catalog.

Notch 6 Episode 96 - Dave Olson Lionel Engineering Manager

If you've ever wondered who engineers some of the cool features in our O gauge trains, well then you are about to get your question answered. Dave Olson joins me today to discuss some of the unique features he has helped engineer along with some of the challenges that these revolutionary features create. You'll also hear his story about how his background and love of trains landed him a job at Lionel.

Notch 6 Episode 95- He's Back! Mike Reagan and Roger Farkash have exciting news!

Mike Reagan and Roger Farkash from TW Trainworx join us for a special show about their new partnership. Here is the press release from TW: Dallas, TX -  February 1, 2017:  TW TrainWorx, a Dallas based company specializing in custom model railroad displays, custom one of a kind structures and “Art of the Train” products, is excited to announce a new addition to the Traingineering team.  Mike Reagan, renowned 3-rail industry expert and former Director of Customer Service and Product Development...

Notch 6 Episode 94- The Lionel 2017 Signature catalog show

Download this Episode by Clicking Here The big reveal is finally here and Notch 6 has exclusive coverage of the brand new Lionel 2017 Signature catalog. Lionel's Director of Production, Ryan Kunkle, joins us again to take a look at all of the new locomotives and notable rolling stock and passenger cars in this new catalog. It's over an hour packed with all things new and exciting in the world of Lionel Trains.